The Museum

Make your stand before history itself.

If you’re looking for history, knowledge and adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Here, the “sacred and holy relics” of our nation’s history await you. Walk among the very objects and artifacts that helped hold the fort — and the fate of an entire nation.

Go around the world as you explore the stories of Fort Ligonier. This world-class museum includes an extraordinary collection of art and artifacts from across the globe — along with one of the most unique archaeological collections from the French and Indian War era discovered right on the grounds of the historic site.

The Fort Ligonier Museum:Historical Perspective

Step into history to the year 1758

A time before computers or electricity, planes, trains, or automobiles, when women had few rights or options, slavery was legal, Pennsylvania was part of the global British Empire, and a young George Washington fought with the British army, when Pittsburgh was called Fort Duquesne and was controlled by the French, and the Ohio Valley was a vast, wild frontier. Journey back in time and experience the fascinating story of Fort Ligonier.

The Fort Ligonier Museum:Historical Perspective

French and Indian War (1754-1763)

The North American theatre of the global Seven Years’ War, the French and Indian War was fought between Great Britain and France along with associated American Indian allies as well as colonial troops from British North America and New France. The war was fought over the control of land and trade, specifically the area of the Ohio River Valley. The French surrendered Canada to the British in September of 1760.

The Fort Ligonier Museum:Historical Perspective

Pontiac's War (1763-1765)

Named for Pontiac, an Ottawa leader, this pan-Indian uprising quickly spread throughout the Great Lakes and into the Ohio Valley. Pontiac had been influenced by Neolin, a Delaware prophet, who called for American Indians to separate from whites and return to their traditional way of life. Beginning with Detroit in the spring of 1763, attacks were made on British garrisons taken over from the French. By the summer of 1763, every fort west of the Allegheny Mountains had been taken except Detroit, which remained under siege. The forts in the Ohio Valley also fell or were under siege. In addition to attacking military garrisons, the pan-Indian uprising also targeted traders and settlers. Some were killed while others were taken captive to be adopted.